Chris Fox, Mental Health Services Manager at the RHH, says there are some things that need improving in the way mental health services are provided, but that the situation isn't as bad as some would have it believed.

Mr Fox says there hasn't been a reduction in mental health services, more that resources are spent in different ways to how they used to be spent.

"We've moved from institutionalisation and providing resources in a hospital setting to increasingly providing resources in a community setting," Mr Fox says.

"Today mental health has moved forward considerably."

Mr Fox says there's been a change in focus in mental health services over the last 20 or so years, moving away from institutions such as the Royal Derwent Hospital into a community based care service,, so that people with mental illnesses can continue to live in the community while still receiving care for their illness.

"There's always going to be a need for people to be admitted into 24 hour acute care, but similarly we need policy documents and so that underpin an increased role in the community sector."

One of the concerns raised by Ros Gorrie and Neroli Ellis on 936 Breakfast was that there's no dedicated mental health unit for young people at the RHH, meaning teenagers and children have to admitted into the adult ward if they need 24 hour mental health care.

Mr Fox agrees this is a problem, but says there are plans for a adolescent unit in the redevelopment of the RHH.

"I agree that at this point in time the services at the Royal Hobart Hospital don't include a dedicated adolescent mental health unit," says Mr Fox.

"It's certainly part of the new Royal Hobart Hospital redevelopment project. It's on the drawing board and it will be delivered as part of a whole range of works that have commenced at the hospital.

"There's no doubt that when we get our dedicated adolescent inpatient facility that things will improve again."

Mr Fox says people shouldn't be concerned about asking for help for mental illness and they should take advantage of the 24 hour free helpline provided statewide to help people find the services they need and to respond to emergency situations.

You can call the Mental Health Service Helpline on 1800 332 388 if you are experiencing mental illness or if you want to speak to someone about someone you care about who you are concerned about.

If you've got a story to tell, contact the 936 Breakfast team via the Contact Us page.